Please read it here.
FBC Member in the spotlight - meet Tommi Linna from Linnacom
1. What is your career background?
I have over 20 years of experience as a CEO, primarily in startups, scale-ups, and growth-stage companies within the telecom sector. Most recently, I served as the CEO of Valoo Oy, where I led a complete turnaround that established the company as the largest fiber optic operator rolling out new networks in Finland. I also oversaw the financing operation in which Valoo Oy successfully secured 300 million euros—the largest funding in Finland’s fiber optic sector—to support its ambitious growth plan.
2. What brought you to Dubai, and how has it been so far?
I wanted to transition into a truly international business environment, and Dubai’s thriving market felt like the ideal place to do so. Although competition here is intense, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time so far, especially the multicultural atmosphere and the high pace of business.
3. As you have been a CEO in many companies, how would you describe your leadership
I’m a coaching-oriented, inspiring leader who loves to empower talented people by giving them room to experiment and grow. I encourage trying new things, and when mistakes happen, I see them as valuable opportunities for learning and development. I also place great importance on my team’s well-being, both professionally and personally.
4. As an expert in AI, what aspects of business or leadership do you believe will always require a human touch?
While AI can automate many processes and analyze vast amounts of data, it doesn’t yet truly innovate from scratch or replicate the human intuition that drives culture and major strategic decisions. Negotiations, complex organizational changes, and culture-building still rely heavily on empathy, creativity, and nuanced understanding—areas where humans excel and cannot be fully replaced.
5. What is a business book, podcast, or mentor that has had a big impact on you?
I’m a long-standing admirer of Tony Robbins’ work and have participated in several of his seminars. One of the most impactful experiences for me was “Date With Destiny,” which helped reshape my approach to both personal and professional challenges. I’ve also worked with a personal coach for almost five years, and that guidance has been instrumental in improving my leadership skills and overall personal growth.
Welcome our new member Radisson Blu Media City
Discover Dubai from our Media City hotel
Enjoy comfort and style at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, located a short drive from Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. With a short ride to Dubai Marina, the Radisson Blu Dubai Media City is perfectly located near other famous Dubai landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah and just twenty minutes from both airports and the EXPO 2020 site.
This iconic hotel has 246 rooms and suites that extend that elegance and comfort throughout, with clean lines, warm décor, and amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an award winning Italian restaurant, and a sports bar. Other facilities include a fully equipped gym, a spa, an outdoor pool that allow guests to soak up the Arabian sun.
Whether you're looking for the perfect sunset spot or a hearty meal, the hotel offers several options on-site. Catch your favorite sports game live in ICON, and indulge in classic Italian cuisine at the award-winning Certo restaurant.
Enjoy easy access with an ideal location
The hotel is located in the heart of Dubai Media City, the region’s most credible media community that houses the largest global and local media brands. It is also within walking distance of the famous Dubai Marina with its nightlife and shopping. The Palm Jumeirah, many of Dubai’s pristine beaches, Mall of Emirates and the EXPO 2020 site are also located close by. Nearby transportation hubs, such as the Nakheel Metro Station and Media City Tram Station, makes visiting the area's variety of attractions easy.
Host a stylish event in Dubai
With 12 naturally lit meeting rooms, 3 outdoor terraces and several food & beverage options our Media City hotel is ideal for your next event.
February 2025 newsletter
Event Highlights: New Year, New Strategies for Success – Your Workforce, Reimagined
📅 January 21, 2025 | 📍 Vida Hotels and Resorts, Emirates Hills
Finnish Business Council together with AmCham Dubai, a member of the Global Network of American Chambers of Commerce (American Business Council), in partnership with Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, brought together industry leaders and professionals to explore innovative strategies for fostering healthier, more resilient workplaces. The key takeaway? Employee well-being isn’t just a priority—it’s a business imperative with direct impact on the bottom line.
Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, shared compelling findings from Cigna’s latest survey, revealing that women in the UAE report higher stress levels than men, largely due to workplace and financial pressures. She underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health and providing targeted support for female employees. Key focus areas included addressing financial stress, loneliness, and sleep challenges, alongside actionable steps for companies to integrate well-being into their corporate strategies.
Panel discussion takeaways:
Moderated by Abeer Al Husseini (عبير الحسيني), Partner at Fragomen, the panel provided real-world insights on workforce well-being from industry experts:
🔹 Leah Cotterill (Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa) – Shared data-driven strategies for embedding wellness into organizational culture.
🔹 Tomasz Bortnik (Citi) – Highlighted the role of financial wellness in overall employee well-being and how employers can support their teams.
🔹 Scott Armstrong (mentl) – Addressed the importance of digital well-being, urging professionals to set boundaries and prevent burnout.
🔹 Dr. Marwa Monajid (American Hospital Dubai) – Emphasized the connection between self-care and professional performance, outlining ways workplaces can support employees facing anxiety, burnout, and physical challenges.
Canada Week in Dubai 2025: Celebrating Community and Charity together with Canadians, Swedes and Finns
Canada Week in Dubai 2025 is a special charity-focused celebration honoring Canada and the 40,000 Canadians living in the UAE, along with the wider community of hockey enthusiasts. This year marks two major milestones: the 20th anniversary of Canada Week and the 15th anniversary of Canada’s historic gold medal victories in men’s and women’s hockey at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Event Highlights:
Dates: March 4-9, 2025, across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, thoughtfully planned during the holy month of Ramadan.
Purpose: The event is dedicated to raising funds for cancer research in the UAE, with all proceeds supporting the Terry Fox Foundation’s local partner, the Al Jalila Foundation.
Activities: Canada Week will feature hockey games and clinics with NHL legends from Canada, Sweden, and Finland, Canadian cultural and entertainment showcases, a golf day, a memorable Iftar dinner, a Gala Reception, and more.
Tuesday, March 4 – Thursday, March 6 Daily from 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Hockey games at the iconic Dubai Mall hockey rink featuring retired NHL players from Canada, the US, Finland and Sweden, as well as community all-star teams.
Confirmed retired NHL players from Finland:
Jari Kurri, Esa Tikkanen, Jere Lehtinen, Arto Malinen ja Pekka Rinne.
Friday, March 7 Canada Week charity golf tournament at Al Zorah Golf Club - designed by Nicklaus Design and managed by Troon Golf. Opportunity for participants to play with a Canada Week celebrity. Shot gun format.
Saturday, March 8 The Canada Week tradition of a dedicated kids hockey clinic with NHL stars will continue on Saturday, March 8 from 07:30 am – 09:45 am at Dubai Mall.
Come and join us for exciting hockey games at Dubai Mall! Admission is free and open to the public.
For more info, contact: mika.puustinen@broadfolio.com
Welcome our new member Soliqua Partners
Soliqua Partners is a premier technology and service supplier Partner, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service across the Middle East region. Our expertise spans a diverse range of industries, including mining, minerals processing, metallurgy, chemical process industries, food and pharmaceutical sectors, and industrial automation. We collaborate with global technology leaders to provide state-of-the-art products, spare parts and services tailored to the unique needs of our clients.
At Soliqua Partners, we focus on technologies that enable water and energy savings and reduce operational costs while enhancing the productivity, helping our clients achieve greater efficiency and sustainability. We also improve the performance of our customers by providing products and service solutions for wear and corrosion protection, industrial transfer hoses and hose assemblies for handling slurries, liquids, and other wet and dry materials, as well as customer-specifically tailored and manufactured polymer products. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction drives us to continually enhance our offerings and support our clients in achieving their business objectives.
-Produce, Protect & Prosper with Soliqua-
Contact:
Petri Kiljunen
General Manager
petri.kiljunen@soliquapartners.com
January 2025 Newsletter
Read it here
Welcome our new member Konsumea
Konsumea is a Dubai-based professional services firm specializing in comprehensive business setup, accounting, payroll, tax, and compliance solutions across UAE and the Middle East. Founded by seasoned professional services and management consulting experts from Northern Europe, each with over 20 years of global experience, Konsumea brings a wealth of industry knowledge and insight to every client engagement. Our Dubai-based team comprises 10 highly skilled professionals with extensive expertise and distinguished careers. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, where customer expectations continue to rise, Konsumea empowers companies and entrepreneurs—both locally and internationally—to adapt, grow, and succeed. Our tailored, high-quality solutions are crafted to meet unique business needs and deliver lasting impact.
Contact:
Welcome our new member LinnaCon
LinnaCon combines decades of leadership experience with a deep understanding of business growth and transformation to help companies succeed at every stage of their journey. Led by a seasoned CEO and financial advisor with a proven track record in high-growth environments and complex financing structures, we deliver strategic solutions that drive real results.
Our expertise includes securing funding, crafting financial strategies, and developing innovative business models, alongside hands-on implementation and vision execution. Whether your goal is to expand into new markets, streamline operations, or prepare for investor negotiations, we are your partner in achieving sustainable growth.
At LinnaCon, we don’t just consult—we collaborate. We bridge the gap between innovators and investors, ensuring that businesses communicate their true value in ways that resonate with key stakeholders.
Let’s turn challenges into opportunities and build a foundation for long-term success together.
Contact:
